After qualification he was employed as a sanitary inspector by Manchester CC where any rough edges were made smooth by the likes of Sid Brumat and others, he eventually left Manchester to join the former Bolton CBC. It was while at Bolton that Harry became interested in the then Sanitary Inspectors Association, becoming a member of the renowned Bolton, Bury and Rochdale Branch.

After leaving Bolton, he took up employment at Radcliffe BC and then with Bury CBC. Finally, Harry left Bury for Salford CC until his retirement in 1993. Harry held many offices within the branch and was elected to the Northwest Centre Council by the old method of voting, many offices today will not recall how difficult it was then to become an elected member.

Harry fought long and hard for the Northwest members, particularly for the recognition of the rank and file member.

Many years ago he was persuaded to take on the post of centre treasurer from the late Arthur Shodgrass, this post he held for many years until he was head hunted by Chadwick House for the post of honorary auditor to the Chartered Institute. Harry, already a fellow, was made a life fellow of the Chartered Institute in recognition of his outstanding long service. He will be remembered by many for his no nonsense but caring approach to many problems, his words of guidance, when heeded to, usually were correct and it proved very difficult to catch him out.

While working for the Chartered Institute he never forgot any member who fell upon hard times, or widows and children of former members and along with other members of the Northwest, strove hard to maintain the Welfare Fund to which many people today benefit.

Finally Harry will be remembered for his oratory along with his deep faith, being an elder and choir member at his local church.

To his wife Win and family we convey our deepest sympathy, but also give thanks that we can say "I knew Harry Baxendale".